Device and method for folding a gas bag

Abstract

A device for introducing an gas bag into a pot-shaped receiving container with an insertion opening for insertion of the gas bag and an installation opening at the bottom for the arrangement of an inflator is provided. The device comprises a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to the insertion opening of the receiving container, and an axially reciprocating ram arranged in the housing and serving for introducing the gas bag into the receiving container. Further, a method for folding a gas bag is provided, wherein the gas bag is introduced into a tubular housing, wherein a body is introduced into the gas bag as a dummy for an inflator intended to be mounted later, and wherein the gas bag is folded around the body.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A device for introducing a gas bag into a pot-shaped receiving container having an insertion opening for insertion of said gas bag and an installation opening at the bottom for the arrangement of an inflator, said device comprising a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to said insertion opening of said receiving container, and an axially reciprocating ram arranged in said housing to advance said gas bag into said receiving container without said gas bag being folded in any specific manner, wherein a body insertable through said installation opening is provided, said body filling out a space provided for said inflator in said receiving container, wherein said body is formed by an upper part of a rod which is coaxial with respect to said ram and which can reciprocate relative thereto, said rod serving for introducing said gas bag into said tubular housing in an unfolded elongated shape. 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein said body comprises a cavity which is connected via a connecting passage to a source of compressed gas, and is equipped with at least one discharge opening via which said gas bag inserted in said housing is inflatable. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein means are provided for clamping a mounting plate in said receiving container, said mounting plate being arranged in said gas bag with an installation opening for an inflator coaxial to said installation opening in said receiving container. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein at least two grippers are provided which are adapted to be inserted through said installation opening and which feature hooks which protrude outwardly in a radial direction. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 3 , wherein fastener screws are applied to said mounting plate, said fastener screws being adapted to locate said mounting plate in place on said receiving container. 
     
     
       6. A device for introducing a gas bag into a pot-shaped receiving container having an insertion opening for insertion of said gas bag and an installation opening at the bottom for the arrangement of an inflator, said device comprising a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to said insertion opening of said receiving container, and an axially reciprocating ram arranged in said housing and serving for introducing said gas bag into said receiving container, said inflator having a flange protruding outwardly in a radial direction, said flange being able to be connected to said receiving container and to a mounting plate of said gas bag, said ram including at its front end a holder for capturing a specific surface portion of said gas bag, said holder including a suction pad connectable to a vacuum source. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus comprising: 
       a gas bag;  
       a pot-shaped receiving container having an insertion opening for insertion of said gas bag into said container and an installation opening opposite said insertion opening;  
       an inflator for receipt in said installation opening, said inflator providing inflation fluid to inflate said gas bag;  
       a tubular housing having a cross-section adapted to said insertion opening and for receiving said gas bag in an unfolded elongated condition; and  
       an axially reciprocating ram in said tubular housing and for advancing said gas bag into said receiving container through said insertion opening without said gas bag being folded in any specific manner;  
       a body insertable through said installation opening and into said gas bag, said body filling out a space provided for said inflator in said receiving container, said body comprising an upper part of a rod which is coaxial with respect to said ram and which can reciprocate relative thereto, said rod serving for positioning said gas bag in said tubular housing in said elongated and unfolded shape prior to said ram moving said gas bag into said receiving container.